Best Clinical Psychology Programs In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the strongest states in the country for clinical psychology education. Through major academic medical centers, large hospital systems, VA facilities, and community behavioral health networks, students can gain meaningful experience at every stage, from undergraduate clinical exposure to doctoral-level supervised practice.
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor's degree or pursuing a doctorate, Pennsylvania offers diverse options across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Central PA, and beyond.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How bachelor's programs with clinical tracks prepare students for graduate study
- The differences between master's, PhD, PsyD, and post-master's certificate pathways
- Pennsylvania-specific examples of clinical training settings
- What to look for when choosing the best clinical psychology program for your goals
- How degree level impacts licensure and career trajectory
2026 Best Clinical Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers an APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. This campus-based program prepares culturally competent psychologists through evidence-based practice focused on high-risk populations. Students receive supervised clinical training starting in year one, combining didactic coursework with hands-on experience. The program requires an entrance exam and emphasizes leadership development, critical research evaluation, and adaptability to emerging knowledge in the field.
- APA accredited program.
- Focus on Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
- Scholar-practitioner model.
- Campus-based learning.
- Supervised clinical training from year one.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Culturally competent training.
- Evidence-based practice focus.
- Critical research consumers.
- Adaptive to new knowledge.
Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (Trauma)
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a Trauma concentration provides APA-accredited scholar-practitioner training. The program emphasizes culturally competent care, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive clinical training in mental health assessment and intervention. Students develop critical research skills and adaptive learning capabilities to address emerging needs in diverse populations. This program requires an entrance exam and prepares graduates for leadership roles through supervised clinical experiences beginning in the first year.
- APA Accredited Clinical Psychology Program
- Scholar-Practitioner Training Model
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Focus on Evidence-Based Practice
- Culturally Competent Psychological Care
- Leadership Role Preparation
- Supervised Clinical Experiences
- First-Year Clinical Training
- Research and Intervention Skills
- Diverse Population Expertise
Marywood University
Scranton, PA - Private 4-year - marywood.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Clinical Services
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marywood University's Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Clinical Services offers a 48-credit clinical track blending theory with hands-on experience through internships. Accredited by CACREP, the program emphasizes scientific thinking, research methods, and preparation for graduate study in clinical psychology. Admission requires official transcripts and a recommendation letter, with SAT or ACT scores being optional. Students access state-of-the-art facilities, undergraduate research opportunities, and the Psychological Services Center, building a foundation for diverse careers in mental health fields.
- 48-credit Clinical Track
- Hands-on internship opportunities
- Accredited by CACREP
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Preparation for graduate study
- Focus on clinical psychology
- Scientific and critical thinking training
- Research methods and statistical analysis
- Interdisciplinary study of humanity
Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marywood University's APA-accredited Psy.D. program prepares students for clinical practice through evidence-based training in CBT and DBT. The program emphasizes early practical experience with first-year practicums at an in-house clinic and diverse community sites. Small class sizes support a scholar-practitioner model focused on culturally sensitive care. No GRE is required for admission, though a minimum 3.48 GPA and psychology prerequisites are needed. Graduates achieve strong internship placements and careers in settings like medical centers, VA systems, and private practice.
- APA Accredited Doctoral Program
- Practicum begins first year
- In-house psychology clinic
- Small class sizes
- Multiple community practicum sites
- No GRE requirement
- Minimum 3.48 GPA for admission
- Prerequisites include psychology courses
- Clinical supervision training
- Scholarships available
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA - Private 4-year - immaculata.edu
Master's - Clinical Psychology, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Immaculata University's Clinical Psychology, M.A. program serves as the foundational component for students admitted to the Psy.D. program. This curriculum emphasizes research methodology, ethical standards, diversity competence, psychological assessment, and intervention strategies. Coursework includes Psychopathology, Cognitive Clinical Assessment, and Psychoanalytic Theories, complemented by hands-on practicum seminars. The program builds a strong foundation in clinical psychology principles, preparing graduates for advanced doctoral studies or entry-level psychology careers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree or unrelated master's degree. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.
- Embedded in Psy.D. curriculum.
- Focus on research, ethics, diversity.
- Includes practicum seminars.
- Covers assessment and intervention.
- Requires bachelor's or master's degree.
Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Immaculata University's APA-accredited Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program employs a practitioner-scholar model to prepare students for clinical leadership. This six-year program features rigorous coursework, extensive clinical practica, and personalized mentorship in small classes. Students develop advanced skills in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and research, with access to a Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic. The program boasts a 95% internship placement rate and offers multiple certificates of emphasis. Tuition is $990 per credit, with evening scheduling available. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.
- APA-accredited Psy.D. program
- Six-year typical completion time
- 95% internship placement rate
- $990 per credit tuition
- Face-to-face campus format
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple certificates of emphasis
- 3.3 minimum GPA requirement
- Evening course scheduling
- Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic
Doctorate - Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Immaculata University's APA-accredited Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. program provides comprehensive doctoral training through a practitioner-scholar approach. Students develop expertise in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and clinical practice while building research skills through coursework and independent projects. The six-year program features small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, and high internship placement rates. With tuition at $990 per credit, graduates are prepared for leadership roles in diverse settings including private practices, hospitals, and university counseling centers. The program includes a Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic and offers multiple certificates of emphasis. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.
- APA-accredited Psy.D. program
- Six-year typical completion time
- $990 per credit
- High internship placement rates
- Face-to-face campus classes
- Small class sizes
- Multiple certificates of emphasis
- Strong faculty mentorship
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - pointpark.edu
Doctorate - Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Community Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Point Park University's APA-accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Community Psychology concentration provides a holistic, human-science approach to mental health. This five-year, 90-credit program emphasizes socio-cultural contexts, qualitative research, and community intervention through six clinical practicums in downtown Pittsburgh. Students develop advanced psychotherapy skills with a focus on social justice and cultural competence, preparing for diverse clinical roles. The program requires a minimum 3.25 GPA and full-time weekday courses, but does not specify entrance exam requirements for this doctoral program.
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Affordable Pittsburgh-based doctorate
- 90-credit, five-year curriculum
- Community psychology focus
- Six clinical practicums included
- Downtown Pittsburgh location
- Diverse theoretical perspectives
- Qualitative research emphasis
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time weekday courses
Doctorate - Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology (Community Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Point Park University's APA-accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology features a Community Psychology concentration that examines mental health through social and cultural contexts. This 90-credit, five-year program trains practitioner-scholars in psychotherapy, community intervention, and scholarly research with hands-on experience in Pittsburgh. The curriculum emphasizes reflexivity and cultural sensitivity, including six clinical practicums and a one-year internship. While requiring a minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA and weekday courses, the program does not mention specific entrance exam requirements for this doctoral degree.
- 90-credit doctoral program
- APA-accredited program
- Unique human science approach
- Weekday courses in Pittsburgh
- Six clinical practicums included
- Community psychology focus
- Five-year completion timeline
- One-year clinical internship
- Minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA
- Diverse theoretical perspectives
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - sju.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Joseph's University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit program designed for working professionals seeking licensure. It requires no entrance exam and emphasizes practical training with 700 hours of supervised fieldwork. The curriculum prepares graduates to address mental health challenges, addiction, and interpersonal issues, with an optional addiction counseling certificate. Flexible pacing allows completion in 2.5 years at $979 per credit, aligning with projected job growth of over 22% in this high-demand field.
- Fully online with practicum
- 60 total credit hours
- 2.5 years program length
- Affordable $979 per credit
- 700 supervised fieldwork hours
- Meet LPC credential requirements
- Optional addiction counseling certificate
Why Pennsylvania Is a Strong State for Clinical Psychology Students
Pennsylvania offers clinical training depth across multiple regions:
- Philadelphia Metro: pediatric, academic medicine, trauma-focused care, and specialty clinics
- Pittsburgh/Western PA: integrated health systems, hospital-based behavioral health, and research-driven clinical training
- Central PA (Harrisburg, Hershey, State College): medical center and community mental health opportunities
- Northeast/Lehigh Valley/Scranton: growing outpatient networks, school-linked services, and hospital affiliates
Common Pennsylvania Training Strengths Include:
- Integrated behavioral health in primary care
- Hospital-based psychiatry and consultation-liaison experiences
- Substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment
- Neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology
- Child, adolescent, and family therapy across outpatient and school-linked settings
Explore Pennsylvania psychology schools.
Bachelor's Programs with Clinical Psychology Tracks in Pennsylvania
A bachelor's degree with a clinical psychology concentration or applied psychology focus is often the first step toward becoming a licensed psychologist or entering a behavioral health field.
Unlike general psychology programs, these tracks typically include:
- Abnormal psychology and psychopathology
- Clinical interviewing foundations
- Psychological assessment fundamentals
- Research methods and statistics
- Supervised practicum or community-based experience
Pennsylvania Clinical Exposure Opportunities for Undergraduates
Strong bachelor's programs often connect students to:
- Community mental health centers
- Behavioral health departments within hospital systems
- School-based counseling or intervention programs
- University research labs focused on clinical populations
In Pennsylvania, undergraduates may find experiential learning opportunities within large systems such as:
- Penn Medicine (Philadelphia region)
- UPMC behavioral health services (Pittsburgh region)
- Geisinger behavioral health network (Central/Northeast PA)
These experiences are especially valuable when applying to competitive doctoral programs.
Undergraduate Planning Tip: Choose a bachelor's program that includes research lab participation and clinical volunteer opportunities; doctoral admissions committees strongly favor applicants with both.
Master's Programs in Clinical Psychology
Master's programs in clinical psychology provide deeper clinical theory and applied foundations. In Pennsylvania, these programs often serve two purposes:
- Strengthen preparation for doctoral study
- Prepare graduates for behavioral health roles (scope varies by degree type)
What Pennsylvania Master's Programs Typically Include
- Advanced psychopathology
- Assessment theory
- Evidence-based psychotherapy foundations
- Research design and thesis projects
- Supervised practicum experiences
Important: A master's in clinical psychology alone does not typically lead to psychologist licensure in Pennsylvania. Psychologist licensure is generally associated with doctoral training.
Doctoral Programs: PhD vs PsyD in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers both major doctoral models: the PhD and the PsyD in clinical psychology.
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Best for students interested in research, academia, or hospital-based clinical science roles.
Typical features:
- Heavy research training
- Publication and grant involvement
- Clinical practica integrated with research
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Best for students focused primarily on clinical practice.
Typical features:
- Extensive supervised clinical hours
- Psychological assessment training
- Therapy specialization tracks
Doctoral Clinical Training in Pennsylvania Often Includes
- Hospital-based outpatient and inpatient behavioral health
- Consultation-liaison services in medical centers
- Trauma and PTSD treatment programs
- Neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology
- Child and adolescent specialty clinics
Major ecosystems that frequently support practicum and internship training include:
- Penn Medicine
- UPMC
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
- Geisinger
Doctoral Planning Tip: Review internship match rates and practicum placement depth when comparing programs.
Post-Master's Certificates in Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology post-master's certificates in Pennsylvania can provide:
- Specialized training in trauma, forensic psychology, neuropsychology foundations, or behavioral health
- Skill expansion for clinicians already licensed in related professions
- Advanced continuing education within structured academic settings
Not all certificates lead to new licensure eligibility. Always verify how the credential aligns with your career goals.
Online, Hybrid, and Campus Program Formats
Clinical psychology education is highly experiential, but Pennsylvania programs offer varied formats:
Campus-Based
- Strong access to on-site clinics and supervision
- Cohort-based training models
- Embedded research labs
Hybrid
- Online didactic coursework
- In-person clinical skill labs and practica
Online (More Common for Certificates or Select Master's Content)
- Flexible coursework
- Clinical placements still completed in person
Fully online doctoral clinical psychology programs are rare due to supervised training requirements.
Comparing Degree Levels At a Glance
| Degree Level | Focus | Leads To | Best For |
| Bachelor's (Clinical Track) | Foundational + applied exposure | Entry-level behavioral roles; prep for grad study | Students starting in psychology |
| Master's | Advanced theory + practicum | Prep for doctorate or certain behavioral roles | Students strengthening credentials |
| PhD | Research + clinical training | Academic & clinical roles | Research-oriented students |
| PsyD | Clinical practice training | Clinical psychologist pathway | Practice-focused students |
| Post-Master's Certificate | Specialized training | Niche expertise | Licensed or graduate-level clinicians |
How to Choose the Best Clinical Psychology Program In Pennsylvania
1. Match The Degree To Your End Goal
If your goal is psychologist licensure, doctoral training is typically required.
2. Evaluate Clinical Depth
Look at:
- Number and diversity of practicum sites
- Supervision quality
- Assessment training breadth
3. Consider Geographic Location
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer dense hospital systems.
Central and rural PA may offer stronger community-based and integrated care exposure.
4. Compare Financial Structure
- Tuition vs assistantship funding
- Length of program
- Cost of living by region
FAQs
Q: Can I Become a Psychologist with Only a Bachelor's Degree?
A: No. A bachelor's degree is a foundation step. Psychologist licensure in Pennsylvania typically requires doctoral-level education and supervised training.
Q: Is a PsyD Easier than a PhD?
A: They differ in focus. PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice, while PhD programs emphasize research alongside clinical work.
Q: What Pennsylvania Regions Offer the Most Clinical Training Variety?
A: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide broad hospital and specialty training networks, while Central PA offers strong integrated and community mental health opportunities.
Q: Should I Get a Master's Before Applying to a Doctoral Program?
A: It depends. A master's can strengthen research credentials and clinical experience, but some students enter doctoral programs directly from a strong bachelor's program.



